In a significant shift for Windows users, Microsoft has officially phased out WordPad from Windows 11 as of 2024, leaving many loyal users seeking alternatives. WordPad served as a versatile tool, bridging the gap between the minimalist Notepad and the feature-rich Microsoft Word, all while remaining free for Windows users. However, the evolution of Notepad has raised eyebrows, as it increasingly strays from its original simplicity.
Simplicity made Notepad great
Notepad’s charm lay in its straightforwardness. For countless users, it was the go-to application for jotting down notes, drafting scripts, or quickly typing out ideas. The app’s speed and ease of use made it a reliable companion for everyday tasks. While recent updates introduced a modern user interface, tab support, and autosave features, these enhancements were generally well-received, even if some purists lamented the changes. The essence of Notepad—its speed and simplicity—remained intact, making these updates worthwhile for many.
It’s getting out of hand
However, the influx of new features has led to concerns that Notepad is losing its identity. The introduction of spellchecking, while initially welcomed, has begun to feel unnecessary for a tool meant for quick notes. More controversially, Microsoft has integrated AI capabilities into Notepad, allowing users to rewrite or summarize text—features that seem misplaced in an application designed for rapid text entry. The addition of text formatting options, currently in testing, raises further questions. While it could enhance document structuring, it also blurs the lines with what WordPad once offered, leaving users to wonder about the rationale behind these changes.
A solution is coming
Recognizing the demand for a straightforward text editor, Microsoft has announced the upcoming release of Edit, a command line-based text editor. Set to ship with Windows, Edit aims to provide a more streamlined solution for users who prefer a no-frills approach to text editing. Operating entirely within the Windows Terminal or Command Prompt, Edit promises to maintain the simplicity that many users crave, devoid of the complexities introduced in Notepad. While its accessibility for less tech-savvy users remains to be seen, Edit could potentially fill the void left by WordPad.
There are better options
For those who find the new direction of Notepad unsatisfactory, numerous alternatives exist. Notepad++, for instance, offers a more advanced text editing experience with support for various formats and features like line numbering, which can be particularly beneficial for coding. Another noteworthy option is CherryTree, an open-source note-taking application that combines speed with advanced features, making it a compelling choice for users seeking more than what Notepad provides.
Is Notepad getting worse?
The ongoing evolution of Notepad presents a mixed bag for users. While some may appreciate the added functionalities, others long for the simplicity that defined the app. As anticipation builds for the release of Edit, users are left to ponder whether it can recapture the essence of quick and efficient note-taking that Notepad once epitomized. The landscape of text editing on Windows is shifting, and whether these changes are for better or worse remains a topic of debate.
